everything's alright

why do my words always lose their meaning? what i feel, what i say, there's such a rift between them

[castaline-blog]

[ Toby/Candace ]

[castaline-blog]

  After telling Candace his secret, Toby leaned back gauging her reaction. It wasn’t often that the fisherman gave up information about himself, especially nothing about his personal thoughts. But, if there was one person aside from family Toby felt he could trust with such information, it was Candace. 

  Her response only solidified that belief. Her thoughtful words causing a slight embarrassed blush to form on Toby’s cheeks. 

   “I… I think you’re right. Maybe talking would help and I…. I really do appreciate that offer Candace.” Toby wasn’t much of a talker to begin with, but, perhaps maybe it was something he should start. “And… I hope you know the same offer stands…. If you ever need someone to talk to… I’m usually around water.” His lips curled up at his own joke, forming into a real sincere smile. 

[un-spooling]

“Ah— good.” She smiled, shoulders arcing slightly in the waved of good feelings it flooded her with to hear him agree with her suggestion. And she reflected his amusement back to him with a quiet giggle, fingers still twined up in her messy hair. “I’ll come looking, then!”

She took a step back, giving Toby a finger-wiggle of a wave. “I should probably go change and wash up for dinner.. I’ll see you later, alright? By water. ♪” With that she turned, a little too sheepish to resume her jog now— instead trailing back toward home with a brisk, but far more relaxed stride. She called over her shoulder, just once: “Have a good day!”

[raven-reborn]

Candace/Raven

[raven-reborn]

“White…” Raven stood and thought about the idea.  It was not necessarily a colour she wore often in fear that her job would quickly get it dirty, though she was not entirely against the idea.  “No, not black… I… I think white would be nice, actually.”

The woman took off her gloves and stuffed them into her jacket pocket, finding the shop to be rather warm.  Once she did, she nervously fiddled with a ring that she had on her finger.  “It’s just for… you know, going out.  To dinner and to festivals and such… I don’t really have many outfits that are suitable for those types of events in this country.”  She huffed, glancing away and thinking about how odd her request must sound.  

“I got the bracelet as a gift and then made the rest myself… I figured I might as well put good use to the set and wear it with something nice.”

[un-spooling]

Candace nodded, mollified at least in having been able to pick a color alright. Having a theme to settle on (and accessories already made to match) made this task a little easier, and her confidence grew with each garment she touched. Something to suit this woman’s style, while not necessarily being the style she was wearing.

She was distracted for a moment to hear that Raven had made the set of jewellery she had shown Candace a moment earlier— except for a single piece. Candace paused and glanced to the stranger with wide eyes.

“I have a...” The word “friend” didn't seem to fit in her mouth. “...well, I know someone who makes accessories.” She paused for a moment, gathering her words up carefully. “It’s very.. interesting, the work that goes into it. I always imagined it was like doing needlework with.. very precious thread.“

“Okay—” She shook her head, pulling a dress from the display and holding it out for the customer to see. “We could start with something simple like this... the more simple it is to start, the more versatility it’s gonna have when you go to accessorize it.. um, not just with jewellery, but with things like sweaters and boleros, scarves, that kind of thing.. it’s like a blank canvas, right? Or if you’re looking for something with more detailing..” She paused, pulling a second dress out. One for each hand. “Then something like this would be better. There’s less versatility, but that makes it easier, too.. and both would show off gold jewellery really nicely, I think..”

“Unless you want, hmm..” She moved both dresses to one hand, before pulling a third one out to show. “Something that’s more cut to accentuate the bust-line, like this? It’s also gonna depend on what cut you’re most comfortable wearing..”

[hartsnewbeginning-deactivated20]

Wandering into a New Town || @un-spooling

[hartsnewbeginning-deactivated20]

“Two  hours for the repair? Sounds good. I’ll walk around town for a bit so I don’t annoy you too much. Then I’ll take you out to dinner.” Hart replied thinking over the plan. He did want to explore the town, and eventually find a map to get back home with. So now would probably be the perfect time.

“Would you like me to bring you anything? Juice or a drink or something?” Hart asked as he walked towards the front door.

[un-spooling]

Candace pushed her bangs from her face, a funny little smile taking over her features for a moment. It wasn’t often that people offered to take her out to dinner, to bring her things while she was working— and the moment it was said to her, she found herself feeling a little greedy for it. 

“Juice sounds really nice..” She shook her head, as though at war with her newfound greediness. “But, um— I don’t want to put you out at all, enjoy the town first! There’s a bridge over a waterfall if you take the path to the east that leads you up to the mining district.. that part is really lovely to see. It has some really nice views and stuff..! I’ll be done soon!”

[un-spooling]

[Tugs on her ear, which is suddenly ringing.] ...

[un-spooling]

[Secretly hoping it doesn’t win, on account of she kind of likes it...]

[un-spooling]

[Joe/Candace]

[not-a-pirate]

Yeah, it feels pretty well insulated. Usually it doesn’t have to be that cold to tell if a house isn’t well insulated. It’s mostly an issue with older, smaller houses that might not have been renovated in a while.

[un-spooling]

Oh... [She puffs her cheeks up as she contemplates this.] I guess that makes sense. ...

[Her eyes widen suddenly, and she giggles— setting her tea down.] It’s kinda like we have the same job, except I make insulation for people instead of houses. ♪

[hartsnewbeginning-deactivated20]

Wandering into a New Town || @un-spooling

[hartsnewbeginning-deactivated20]

“Sounds awesome. If you’d like, I’ll treat you to dinner as a thanks  after the jeans are done. Maybe you can even tell me some of the tales you heard.” Hart replied. He smiled seeing that she opened her mouth for a second. Maybe she wanted to share the stories?

“After all, you seem to be very intrigued by the witch. Who else better to hear it from right?” Hart asked.

[un-spooling]

“Dinner—”

Candace glanced up at him curiously, her head tilted slightly, before nodding in happy surprise. “Sure, I’d like that a lot..” A chance to tell stories over a meal was almost more than the seamstress could even ask for, and she sifted away her insecurities at the excitement of it. How lovely that sounded!

“It’ll probably take me.. I’m gonna say two hours, if that’s okay? For the repair?”

[everthechase-blog]

not yet late date (Candace/Chase)

[Blinks, wincing slightly before grinning in delay at the reaction to his mimed punch.] It’s alright, honest– [Bites his bottom lip, bracing himself as her hands reach to touch his face - and relaxing as she withdraws them, smiling more comfortably.]

Well, not too much I guess– I took some as soon as I got home, heh. [Pauses to brush close to the bruise around his eye with his knuckle, lightly brushing it with a grin.] Not as bad as it looks, promise. I’ll, uh– I’ll go get it looked at tomorrow, too, if you want. [Clears his throat, taking a moment before relaxing more into relief with a sighed grin.] I’m sorry I got back in this late, though– but you’re a sight for a sore eye right now, heh. Think I could take you out on a date or something?

[un-spooling]

[She nods immediately at the suggestion to have it looked at. Yes. Yes. Fervent indication of yes.]

[And nods again when he suggests they go out, though by this point she’s at least managed to sigh away some of her fervent tenseness.] It’s okay.. sure, we can go. I, um.. I packed this for us. [She shows him the paper bag.] It’s peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, is that okay?

[castaline-blog]

[ Toby/Candace ]

[castaline-blog]

   He simply nodded when she repeated the word – it was the truth after all. He only had the drive to leave his home if it involved fishing, which granted, was often, but there wasn’t much else to his day. 

  “But you still do it…. That’s whats important. Especially with the coming winter… it’s easy to fall into a slump.” Toby was glad to hear those words – and even though they only talked as they passed by he was proud of her. 

  This was something he heard often, not that he minded it. It was one of thew few things he took pride in. But, it wasn’t as simple as always being relaxed, and perhaps the truth was the support Candace needed to hear. “Well… about that. You wanna know a secret…? I get stressed… a lot… and sometimes I get really mad too… but letting it show just makes others stressed out too, I think. I’d rather be smiling.”

[un-spooling]

At the offer for a secret, Candace nodded eagerly — she did so love secrets — and she leaned in curiously, fingers twining in her fidgeting. As he talked her eyes widened in mounting surprise. Secret was right, she would have never expected to the fisherman she’d come to assume was ever-carefree with such familiar thoughts.

“I see...” 

She stared for a moment, blinking rapidly, trying to internalize this shift in her world order. Toby always seemed so relaxed and happy, but of course— who didn’t get stressed and angry, really? After a pause she ducked her head once more, smiling sheepishly, feeling a little childish for not having put that together before this moment.

“Toby..” Words failed her for a moment. She pressed on regardless. “I think— I think that’s really lovely of you.” She smiled up to him, still sheepish despite herself. “I think, though— I’d be very happy to talk if you were stressed about anything. It’s nice, sometimes, to be able to do stuff like that.. you know?”

[raven-reborn]

Candace/Raven

[raven-reborn]

Raven felt somewhat embarrassed to just be showing off her jewellery to the stranger, but there was a reasoning behind her actions.  She had received the bracelet as a gift, and inspired by the design, had crafted a necklace and earrings to match.  The set quickly became one of her favourites, and she planned to wear it on a night out, though she had come to the sudden realisation that none of her clothes were appropriate. 

After the few moments of silence had past, Raven gently closed the box and looked back towards the stuttering woman.  “I’m glad…” she responded with a soft sigh of relief.

At the woman’s next statement, Raven stopped to take a look at her.  She did not know what classified as weird fashion in this part of the world, though she was very aware that the other’s style was a clear opposite from hers.  Though she still had faith in the young woman, considering she had just watched her sew clothing only minutes before.  “I don’t think your taste is weird… I’m sure whatever you find will be beautiful,” she continued with a soft smile.

[un-spooling]

Candace smiled awkwardly at the reassurance, dusting her skirt off once she’d stood, her mind also dusting off the tips and tricks she’d been taught throughout the years about how to wear jewellery she didn’t have. Magazines she’d read, commercials she’d seen on TV, and insecure moments parroting her sister had trained her well for a moment like this. Or— well, she might be able to at least cobble something together.

“If it were warmer I think I might have other suggestions, but for winter.. well, gold is nice with white.. and pink would suit white nicely too, I think.. are you okay with white? Um— though black would be nice too, if you’d prefer..” Candace wandered toward the section of the shop they kept their dresses, gesturing for the customer to follow her— familiar with each one before she even began browsing. 

“We can start with the dress itself and work up to accessories, maybe.. is it for an event at all, or maybe do you have a particular use in mind..?”

[un-spooling]

[Grins at the sight of her - eyebrows up, until her humor drops from her face and his grin turns more sheepish.] Yeah, no-- I'm fine, I just-- uh. [Shifts the thermoses from his arm, looking to see anyone else there before huffing uncomfortably through pursed lips, smiling awkwardly to her and lowering his voice.] I fell-- it was kinda dumb actually. I'm alright, though, just-- [Gestures briefly to his eye with the thermos.] Bam. Heh-- [Smiles in attempted reassurance.] But I'm alright, promise.

[She winces as he pantomimes hitting himself in the face, mouth falling open in Insant Worry.] 

Oh no! Ohh, Chase— I’m so sorry, it looks so painful.. [She reaches out, as though to touch his face, before realizing that’s an awful idea. She retracts her hand, instead gripping the paper bag with both hands nervously.] Does it hurt very much? Should I bring a bag full of ice or something? Did you take an aspirin?

[un-spooling]

[Opens the shop half an hour later, not surprised to find the door open, but looking relieved as he closes the door behind him. He's somehow managed to scuff himself up, a black eye and scrapes hidden mostly by clothes only leaving him looking sore as he tries to look as put together as possible. Clears his throat, shifting the thermoses under his arm and adjusting his scarf up a little further before calling out wryly:] Hey, I came looking for a date? You have any of those available right now?♪

[Candace sighs with relief as she realizes Chase has finally showed up - rolling the paper bag that she’d tucked the sandwiches into closed. She shows up in the doorway with her sleeves rolled back down and her coat on, wry smile in place, ready to retort—]

[— until she sees his face, and her smile promptly melts off.] Chase—

... [Her shock turns into a pout by the time she walks up to him, lips pursed, appraising the damage to his poor eye.] What happened..? Are you okay?

[un-spooling]

[Rolls her eyes, giggling.] Suuure you don't. ♪ [Accepts the bag, and bumps her shoulder against her's.] Thank you, you're the bestest! [Spins and walks out backwards, calling out in a teasing voice.] You two love birds have fun!! [Giggles louder, pivoting on her heel to run out, should Candace choose to throw a spoonful of peanut butter at her or something.]

What! I don’t! I really don’t—

[She’s still wearing a wry smile as Luna turns to make her escape— and yes, flicking peanut butter is definitely very tempting. Candace stays her hand. It’s a crime to damage such a perfectly white outfit, even if it’s very much deserved!]

... [Cups her hands around her mouth and calls after her.] You have fun, too! [Then returns to bagging sandwiches.] Jeez..! ♪

[un-spooling]

[Raises her eyebrows as Candace talks, mildly surprised by how worked up her sister is getting. Nods, plucking at the material of her fuzzy sweater.] Ah... well, okay. Like you said, at least he's on his way now. But for what it's worth, I don't think he'd stand you up... [Looks over at the sandwich in the making. Hums.] Not a date or anything like that, no. I was just gonna see who I bumped into. [Furrows her eyebrows.] D'ya think it'd be awkward, since there's so many couples out and about?

[Moving on to jelly for the sandwiches, putting aside her gloom and doom for now. No need for that sort of thing! No need!]

Mm-mm, I don’t think it’s awkward. There’s a lot of people who go out just to see the stars too, you know? I did that, too— and I guess I would have if Chase was busy, too. Or some people go out with just friends, I guess. Plus, um— [She wrinkles her nose, allowing herself to be a little playful.] ..most couples that are out try to make themselves not easy to see, you know? 

[Giggles deviously, putting the sandwich halves together and slipping one into a sandwich bag for Luna.] Sorry! I’m being awful, huh.. I don’t do that! [Holds the bag out for her sister, shaking her head.] Here you go. ♪

[un-spooling]

[Nods.] Yep! Definitely! [Lets go, turning so she could lean against the kitchen counter.] It's not that late, is it? [Leans back to glance outside the window.] I just gonna head out myself.

[She puffs her cheeks up for a second— she doesn’t like that Luna is right, especially when it gives Chase a pass. Still, she smiles wryly as she sets out another two slices of bread for a third sandwich.] No, I guess not.. but I guess for a little bit I was worried he wasn’t gonna show up.

And that’s not me being paranoid! [Spreading the peanut butter.] He said he had to go out today, and he asked me to feed his cat, and I was grumpy that he picked today to do it, and I was so sure he’d... ... [Trails off. Shrugs one shoulder.] I dunno. But it’s okay, he’s on his way. Don’t mind me.

[She smiles to her sister.] You doing anything fun tonight..?

[un-spooling]

[Rushes over to throw her arms around her from behind, her purse swinging from her shoulder. Raises up on her toes slightly to look over her shoulder.] -- Are you making snacks?

[Candace giggles at the sudden hug, the sound of Luna’s shoes being a very familiar sound to her. She holds still so as not to get peanut butter anywhere it doesn’t belong, before wiggling the jar so her sister can see it.]

Mmhmm. Peanut butter and jelly for a reaaally late date, I guess. ♪ You want one? It’s, um.. [She turns the jar to see the flavor of jelly she’s putting in these sandwiches.] Strawberry?

[un-spooling]

[Texts back after a few minutes:] Won't miss them bug I promise :) drying hair now and I'll rush over w hot cocoa

[Mumbles to herself out loud, pressing her fingers against her lower lip and chewing it lightly.] You always think hot cocoa makes everything better.. you’re lucky it kinda does.. ♥

[Texts back:]

okkkkkk

[Her current outfit is going to have to suffice— especially now that she’s been tasked with making sandwiches in the span of time it’s going to take him to get here. She grabs a coat and leaves it hanging on the back of a kitchen chair as she checks the fridge and cabinets for anything to make sandwiches out of.]

... Peanut butter and jelly and hot cocoa..? ... [Shrugs. Sounds good enough to her. She gets to work, rolling her sleeves up to keep the peanut butter at bay.]